Claustrophobia is an
disorder characterized by irrational fear of enclosed or small spaces. People with claustrophobia often describe it as feeling trapped without an exit or way out. Claustrophobia involves emotional and physical reactions to triggering situations. The fear of claustrophobia may be intense, but treatment can help manage or overcome it.
Common Physical Reaction to Triggering Situations
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The cause of claustrophobia is not well known, but it is likely a combination of genetic factors and a person's environment..
Factors that may increase your chance of developing a claustrophobic anxiety attack include: Family historyHistory of anxiety or nervousness when in an enclosed room or spaceRepeated avoidance of situations that have brought on a previous anxiety attack
Claustrophobia usually develops early in life during childhood or the teenage years. Claustrophobia may bring on feelings similar to a
, which may cause:
SweatingRapid heart beatShortness of breath or hyperventilationTremblingLightheadedness or faintingNauseaFeelings of dread, terror, panic
Other symptoms of claustrophobia may include: Automatically and compulsively looking for exits when in a room or feeling fearful if doors are shutAvoiding elevators, riding in subways or airplanes, or cars in heavy trafficStanding near exits in crowded social situations
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Diagnosis is based on your history of persistent or excessive fear that may: Be triggered by anticipating an event or situationCause panic attacts associated with the fear-causing situationInterfere with normal daily activitiesThat is not explained by another disorder
Claustrophobia can disappear in adulthood. If it does not, treatment is usually necessary to overcome the fear. Talk with your doctor or mental health provider about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:
The most common type of treatment for claustrophobia involves mental health counseling targeted to overcoming the fear and managing triggering situations.
Different types of strategies include: Relaxation and visualization techniques designed to calm the fear when in a claustrophobic environmentCognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT)—an approach that involves learning to control the thoughts that occur when confronted with the fear-inducing situation in order to change the reaction
Your doctor may prescribe medications to control the panic and physical symptoms of claustrophobia. These include antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. They will not cure the condition but are often helpful when used with psychotherapy.
There are no current guidelines to prevent claustrophobia.
Anxiety disorders. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml. Accessed July 22, 2013.
Specific phobia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated March 13, 2013. Accessed July 22, 2013.
Treatment. Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Available at:
http://www.adaa.org/finding-help/treatment. Accessed July 22, 2013.
Last reviewed June 2015 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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